At least once a month I make it a point to attend a Real Estate networking function being held in the city of Chicago or in one of the suburbs. I am usually the first person to arrive at the function. I do this on purpose for a few reasons.
I get a chance to meet the people responsible for organizing the function and the guest speakers. I also get a chance to see who else is attending because everyone’s nametag is out on display. If food is served, I get first choice of what is being offered and a choice seat. This is all part of my strategic plan to concentrate on the people that I can help or that can help me.
I have learned long ago that sometimes we have to “go back to the basics”. I am not knocking Face book or Twitter but there is nothing like seeing the reaction on someone’s face when you introduce yourself and tell someone what you do. It also allows you to observe what others are doing right so that you can emulate them and it allows you to see what others are doing wrong so you can avoid the same mistake. It also lets you put a face to a name and make valuable notes on their business card.
I attend functions sponsored by Bisnow, CREW, NAIOP, Roosevelt University School of Real Estate, and BOMA to name a few. There are usually over 150 people at each event. I notice at each event there is one common factor, a lack of minority participation. I am usually the only person of color at the functions and one of maybe 20 women. I know there is a good number of both minorities and women in the Real Estate business so why aren’t we networking and taking advantage of the information we need to grow and sustain our businesses?
Most of these events are less than $100 or free and usually include food. Crain’s Business Chicago has a calendar of most events every month. The events are located at well know establishments such as the East Bank Club or a restaurant with free parking and easy access. The events are held as early as 7:30 AM so the you still have time to go into the office or they are held after hours. It is unfortunate that we are not taking full advantage of the opportunities and information that is available to us.
Too many of us are quick to complain that our businesses are not growing. We have to be seen and be heard. We have to take advantage of all the opportunities to network and learn what is going on in our business. We have to make it a point to attend at least one face-to-face networking event so that there is a diverse crowd and eventually the topics will address some of the events happening or not happening in our communities.
As professionals, we must remember that knowledge is power and it is not whom you know, BUT WHO KNOWS YOU!
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Gyna McElwee
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